Posted on Friday, November 27, 2015

After completing my LLB from Panjab University, Chandigarh, I was looking for an international business programme that could increase my chances of employment globally. As Australia is recognised for quality education, I was keen to join an institute Down Under. While choosing a discipline for higher studies, I researched jobs available after completing one’s studies, and found that accountancy is a promising stream in Australia. Here, accountants are finance and information specialists and major decision-makers in a wide range of organisations.

With no experience in economics or accounting, I selected the Master of professional accounting at Deakin University, Victoria, Australia. My choice was based on the institute’s reputation and the flexibility of the study programme. Finally, I enrolled on the two-year accounting programme at the university’s Melbourne Burwood campus in 2014.

Here, I have been exposed to an updated curriculum and innovative pedagogies suitable for changing market conditions and increasing chances of employment across the globe. The study schedules are flexible and student-centric. Online assignments, seminars, work experience and study material make it easier for students to pursue their course, even if they are not able to attend classes regularly. The best part is that the courses could be tailored to students’ needs and circumstances. Industry interaction through internships and projects are the real takeaways of studying in Australia. Business internships, community-based volunteering, work and team-based learning – all these things make you aware of the market and enhance your employability. For me, the thrust on practical education was a decisive factor while choosing an educational institution, and I am content that I made the right choice.

Also, for students from India, earning a living while studying is a vital concern when they plan to study abroad. In Australia, students can work up to 20 hours a week while studying. Besides, paid internships are an added advantage for them. Students can take up a host of part-time jobs in the food industry. Moreover, Australia being a popular tourism destination, they can spend quality time seeing coral reefs, rainforests and red deserts.

Though there are several jobs for an accounts professional in the public sector, private companies and NGOs, I plan to work in an accounting firm in Australia after finishing my programme.